Helfrich's Firefish

Care at a glance

Overview

A 75 litre or larger reef tank at 23 to 27 C and pH 8.1 to 8.4 with a tight lid suits it, since firefish jump through the smallest gap. It is fully reef safe and eats zooplankton, so feed mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and pods. It is peaceful and rather shy, best kept singly or as a bonded pair, and it should not share a tank with large predatory shrimp.

In the wild

Helfrich's firefish hovers just above deep rubble slopes, darting into a burrow at the first sign of danger. It has a pale lavender body, a yellow face, and a purple crown on the head. It picks zooplankton drifting past its shelter. Because it comes from deeper water it is less common and more prized than the other firefish.

Good to know

Nemateleotris helfrichi is a dartfish in the family Microdesmidae. It lives in pairs on the reef and shares its burrow with its mate. Like other firefish it flicks its tall first dorsal fin up and down as a signal.

Did you know

Deepwater collection means Helfrich's firefish usually costs several times more than the common red firefish it resembles in shape.

Related species

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